At the conclusion of the first big wave of free agency in March, Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor declared Jonah Williams was the team’s left tackle. The Bengals then went ahead and doubled down on Taylor’s declaration when they passed on tackle Penei Sewell in the 2021 NFL Draft in favor of wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. It was a decision not lost on the incumbent left tackle.
“That means a lot to me, I really appreciate that from coach. I take that very seriously and I want to prove them right and prove the team right and do what it takes to be a great left tackle,” Williams said.
Williams has battled injuries since the Bengals drafted him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He missed his entire rookie season due to a shoulder injury and started in 10 games last year before he was placed on injured reserve with a right knee injury.
When Williams has been on the field, he’s shown flashes of a promising left tackle. He allowed just three sacks and 20 pressures in 634 snaps at left tackle last season. Pro Football Focus gave him the highest blocking grade (70.1) among all Bengals offensive linemen in 2020.
Taylor and the Bengals staff evaluated Williams’ game film from last season and determined that he’s deserving of another year as the team’s starting left tackle. The Bengals head coach believes Williams is only going to improve and the arrival of offensive line coach Frank Pollack will only assist in the left tackle’s development.
"He had some really good tape from last season. Obviously, he's had his ups and downs from an injury standpoint that have prevented from really taking off. When you just go back and after the season you watch it as a whole all of his snaps, he put some really good stuff on tape,” Taylor explained. “He doesn't even have a full season of 16 games under his belt so I think we're going to continue to see steady improvement working under Frank (Pollack). He's a really smart player and I think he can really take his game to the next level and I'm excited to see what he can do."
Pollack’s return to Cincinnati, he previously served as the team’s O-line coach in 2018, is expected to have a positive effect on the entire Bengals offense, especially the O-line. He’s one of the most respected offensive line coaches in the NFL. NFL sources told The Enquirer that Pollack’s philosophy and coaching style are better fits than what the O-line received last year from offensive line coach Jim Turner.
Williams and the Bengals offensive linemen are already noticing Pollack’s impact. The veteran offensive line coach is preaching technique and putting an emphasis on drill repetition.
“He’s bringing a lot to the table. I really love his coaching, and I’ve really enjoyed learning from him so far,” Williams said. “Drilling technique over and over again until you can’t get it wrong. So, when you go out on the field, you just execute the technique that you’ve done 1,000 times or more in practice. I really like that about his coaching style, and I’m excited to try these things out on the field.”
Cincinnati needs better execution from its entire offensive line this season.
On the left side, the Bengals are relying on Williams to take a leap on the field.
Bengals brass put their faith in Williams when they declined to address left tackle in free agency and early in the draft. Cincinnati could have two new starters along its offensive line – right tackle Riley Reiff and rookie right guard Jackson Carman, but left tackle remains unchanged.
The Bengals’ actions are a clear indication that the team is banking on Williams to be an anchor at left tackle.
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